Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said on Sunday that construction of the Padma Barrage project is set to begin early next year, with an inauguration expected in January or February.
The minister highlighted that the barrage will benefit roughly seven crore people in Bangladesh's southwestern region, delivering significant socio‑economic development to disadvantaged communities.
Anee made the remarks after inspecting the proposed site on the bank of the Padma River at Satbaria Kanchan Park in Sujanagar upazila of Pabna, emphasizing the strategic location of the project.
He noted that the government launched the initiative within two and a half months of taking office, describing the barrage as a landmark project and a major national challenge.
The first phase is estimated to cost around Tk35,000 crore, while total project requirements are projected at Tk50,000‑55,000 crore to complete all phases.
Officials expect the barrage to improve water management, flood control, irrigation and power generation, thereby bolstering economic growth across the region.
The announcement underscores the government's commitment to large‑scale infrastructure that supports millions of citizens and advances Bangladesh's development agenda.
Why it matters
The barrage will enhance water management and power generation, supporting economic development for millions in southwestern Bangladesh.